Thanksgiving Homestyle Turkey Recipe
Are you prepared to create the ULTIMATE Thanksgiving turkey recipe? Believe me, it is simpler than you might imagine!
There is no need for brining or basting. With just a few straightforward steps, you will achieve a perfectly golden, succulent, and incredibly flavorful roasted turkey recipe that will astonish your family and guests.
Cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving tends to intimidate many individuals. I completely understand. I recall feeling daunted the first time I prepared a turkey. This apprehension arises from the desire to avoid ruining a significant holiday meal with all your friends and family present… would you agree?
However, here is the amusing part: cooking a turkey is genuinely quite simple! Consider it akin to preparing a very large chicken. While it may require a longer cooking time, the overall process is remarkably similar.
Certainly, some individuals opt for elaborate equipment, gadgets, smokers, and various flavors, but none of that is necessary to create a traditional, exceptionally flavorful, and juicy turkey. Simply adhere to my Thanksgiving game plan to determine what to purchase and when to cook. Then, follow the recipe and tips provided below. It’s that easy!
Roast Turkey Ingredients
Besides the turkey, you will only require herbs, aromatics, and a touch of seasoning. Simplicity truly is the best approach!
Turkey: Any whole frozen (or fresh) turkey available at the market is suitable. For guidance on the ideal size, please refer to the information below.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and sage are traditional herbs for poultry. While dried herbs can be used, I believe that fresh herbs provide a more intense flavor.
Onion and Garlic: The onion is to be placed inside the turkey, while the garlic will be rubbed on the exterior. Together, these aromatics will enhance the meat and skin with savory richness.
Lemon: Inserting lemon wedges inside the turkey aids in keeping the meat moist and contributes a refreshing zest.
Butter: A substantial amount of butter ensures a juicy turkey without the necessity of brining. This certainly saves time!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for achieving a perfectly seasoned bird.
I also place vegetables beneath my turkey (such as celery, carrots, and onion) during roasting. This is not mandatory, but I highly recommend it. Not only will it elevate your turkey recipe, but it will also enhance the flavor of your turkey gravy!
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
What Size Turkey to Buy?
The general guideline is to allocate 1 pound of turkey per person. Alternatively, consider 1 ½ pounds of turkey per person if you desire leftovers (and we always desire leftovers, don’t we?). It is advisable to have a bit more turkey than insufficient, so I suggest:
Less than 8 people: Although this will result in more turkey than necessary, I recommend purchasing a 10 to 12 pound turkey. Anything smaller will lead to paying more for bones rather than meat. Keep in mind, you can freeze turkey leftovers.
For 8 individuals: Acquire a turkey weighing between 10 to 12 pounds.
For 12 individuals: Acquire a turkey weighing between 14 to 18 pounds.
For 16 individuals: Acquire a turkey weighing between 18 to 24 pounds.
For more than 16 individuals: It is advisable to purchase two turkeys instead of one excessively large turkey.
Do Not Forget to Thaw the Turkey
The most significant error people commit is purchasing a frozen turkey the day prior to Thanksgiving. Avoid this mistake! Keep in mind that a large turkey requires ample time to defrost in the refrigerator. It takes approximately 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey to thaw properly. My suggestion is to buy your turkey at least a week before Thanksgiving. Subsequently, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days before the main event.
No, You Do Not Need to Wash It
Washing the turkey will only lead to contamination of your sink and kitchen, creating a mess. We have previously discussed this regarding chicken, and the same principle applies here. Any bacteria present on the turkey will be eliminated in the oven during the cooking process.
Do Not Cook Stuffing Inside the Turkey
To achieve perfectly cooked stuffing and turkey, prepare them separately. Overfilling the turkey's cavity will prolong the cooking time. Moreover, it is preferable to fill the turkey with aromatics and herbs that enhance its flavor and moisture. Therefore, prepare your stuffing in a casserole dish instead.
Equipment Required
You will need three essential kitchen items to roast your turkey: a roasting tray, a thermometer, and a sharp knife.
Roasting Tray: You may opt for a high-end roasting tray, a reliable mid-range roasting tray, or a budget-friendly disposable roasting tray. All options are effective.
Thermometer: The same applies to thermometers. You can utilize a probe thermometer (which remains in the turkey), an instant-read thermometer (which I frequently use), or a standard meat thermometer.
Knife: Naturally, a sharp knife is crucial! I possess a carving knife and fork set that I recommend.
How to Prepare and Cook Turkey
Thaw the turkey and remove the giblets. Once your turkey has thawed, allow it to rest at room temperature for one hour. Remove the giblet bag and the neck, which can be found in the larger cavity and occasionally in the smaller one.
Ensure you have removed all areas to confirm you have everything. You may either save these items for gravy or choose to discard them.
Giblets being extracted from a Thanksgiving turkey.
Pat the turkey dry using a paper towel. Eliminating any excess moisture guarantees a crispier skin. Next, generously season the interior of the turkey with salt and pepper, and fill the cavity with quartered onion, lemon, and fresh herb sprigs. If you must, use less sage compared to the other herbs, as it is more intense.
Filling a Thanksgiving turkey with onions and herbs.
Prepare herb butter. Combine softened butter, garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme in a small bowl to create the herb butter.
Combining herb butter in a bowl for roasting turkey.
Apply herb butter thoroughly. Gently slide your fingers under the skin of the turkey on top of the breasts to loosen it. Add approximately one-third of the herb compound butter and spread it evenly beneath the skin. Distribute the remaining herb butter all over the exterior of the turkey.
Applying herb butter to the Thanksgiving turkey.
Avoid trussing the legs! Resist the temptation to tie the turkey legs together. While it may create a visually appealing turkey, trussing hinders proper air circulation, resulting in uneven cooking of the meat. Therefore, even if your mother (and likely grandmother) did it, forgo this step.
Cook the turkey. Position the turkey on a roasting rack or atop a bed of vegetables (or both, which is my preferred method). After that, there is only one task remaining – cook the turkey!
Thanksgiving turkey resting on a roasting rack above vegetables.
Cooking Duration for a Turkey
Are you ready for some good news? Since we did not stuff the turkey, it will cook approximately 30 minutes faster. On average, anticipate about 15 minutes of cooking time per pound of turkey. However, keep in mind that the most reliable indicator is the temperature. Aim to cook the turkey to a temperature of 158° to 160°F (measured at the thickest part of the thigh or breast).
Here is a guideline:
- For a turkey weighing between 10 to 14 pounds: 2 ½ hours to 3 ½ hours
- For a turkey weighing between 14 to 18 pounds: 3 ½ hours to 4 ½ hours
- For a turkey weighing between 18 to 22 pounds: 4 ½ hours to 5 ½ hours
Monitor your turkey when it reaches approximately 75% of the cooking time. Subsequently, check the internal temperature every 10 minutes. It is important to note that ovens may vary in temperature. If you observe that the skin is browning too rapidly, you may cover it with aluminum foil.
Always Allow Your Turkey to Rest
After removing the turkey from the oven, it is crucial to allow it to rest for a minimum of 30 minutes. This resting period enables the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier turkey. It is preferable to have a juicy turkey rather than a soggy cutting board!
Thanksgiving turkey presented on a plate with lemon wedges.
Carve and Serve Your Exquisite Bird
At this stage, the only task remaining is to appreciate your beautiful turkey, carve it, prepare some delicious turkey gravy, and impress your guests. Simply adhere to my guidelines on how to carve a turkey. For a comprehensive Thanksgiving meal, consider accompanying the turkey with:
Cranberry Sauce
- Mashed Potatoes, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, or Mashed Cauliflower (for a low-carb alternative)
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Honey Glazed Carrots
- Creamed Corn
- Nutritious Green Bean Casserole
- Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Do you require assistance with a schedule for the big day? Refer to my Thanksgiving game plan, and explore the Thanksgiving menu I have curated. Additionally, I offer a prime rib or honey baked ham if turkey is not your preference. And if you have turkey leftovers (which are always delightful), repurpose them into a turkey cobb salad or turkey casserole!
Common Questions
Why is the butter not adhering to the turkey?
Your turkey may be experiencing condensation, or the butter might be too cold and solid. Ensure that your turkey has been at room temperature for an hour and use paper towels to pat it dry, removing any moisture. Additionally, you can soften the butter in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds, which will make it easier to spread.
What should I do if my turkey is cooking more quickly than anticipated, and it has already reached 165°F?
If you have measured the temperature in the thickest parts of the breast and thigh and it reads 165°F, then it is fully cooked. If the skin is not sufficiently golden, you can activate your top broiler for a few minutes to achieve the desired color.
What should I do if the skin of my turkey is burning, but the inside is not yet fully cooked?
Reduce the temperature of your oven and cover the turkey with aluminum foil. I also suggest purchasing an oven thermometer to ensure that your oven is not operating at too high a temperature.
What should I do if the top of the breast skin is browning more quickly than the rest of the turkey?
Ensure that your turkey is not placed too high in the oven. If possible, lower the rack. You can also cover that specific area with aluminum foil to prevent further browning.
What if I notice some pink meat inside, particularly around the joints?
It is normal for cooked turkey to have some pink coloration, especially if the bird is young. According to the USDA, you should rely on temperature rather than color. As long as your turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165°F, it is safe to consume.
I am confident that with this guide, you will become a master at preparing Thanksgiving turkey. If you try it, please share your results with me! I would love to hear your feedback in the comments below.
Lisa’s Tips
You can certainly opt for a turkey larger than 18 pounds, but you may require additional herb butter and a longer cooking time. If your turkey weighs less than 12 pounds, you might have some leftover herb butter, so consider reducing the amount used.
It is common for ovens to have temperature variations of up to 25 degrees, with some operating hotter and others cooler (my oven tends to be cooler). Therefore, it is advisable to check how your oven performs.
OTHER RECIPES
A nice Thanksgiving recipe to try !
Thanksgiving Recipe INGREDIENTS
* 1 (12 pound) whole turkey
* 6 tablespoons butter, divided
* 4 cups warm water
* 3 tablespoons chicken bouillon
* 2 tablespoons dried parsley
* 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
* 2 tablespoons seasoning salt
Thanksgiving Recipe INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Rinse and wash turkey. Discard the giblets, or add to pan if they are anyone's favorites.
2. Place turkey in a Dutch oven or roasting pan. Separate the skin over the breast to make little pockets. Put 3 tablespoons of the butter on both sides between the skin and breast meat. This makes for very juicy breast meat.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the water with the bouillon.
Sprinkle in the parsley and minced onion. Pour over the top of the turkey. Sprinkle seasoning salt over the turkey.
4. Cover with foil, and bake in the preheated oven 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C). For the last 45 minutes or so, remove the foil so the turkey will brown nicely.
The Thanksgiving recipe homestyle is ready to serve...enjoy it !
sweet-potato-souffle
Thanksgiving Homestyle Turkey Video :
